Dear Coach,

I feel as though my colleagues are getting more opportunities for growth and promotion than me. I consistently receive strong performance assessments and positive feedback from my managers. However, when new projects arise, I’m often left out, and my portfolio feels repetitive and uninspiring.

I’ve been at the same level for several years and am starting to worry that a promotion may never come my way.

Yours truly,

Feeling Stagnant                      

Dear Feeling Stagnant,

It’s wonderful that you’re considering your career growth!

Visualize what a promotion means for you—more responsibility, challenging assignments, a salary bump, or greater visibility. Picture yourself in that role and list the needed qualities, skills, and experiences.

Start showcasing these aspects now. Have a conversation with your manager, propose new SMART goals, and seek feedback. Ask about skills needed for higher-level opportunities. Consider training or mentorship and volunteer for visible projects. Avoid assumptions about project assignments—discuss openly for clarity and opportunities.

Early in my career, I sat before my boss, confident and eager for management. Despite my self-assurance, he insisted I needed more seasoning, emphasizing the importance of tangibly demonstrating my readiness.

Take initiative—small, consistent steps can lead to big changes.

Wishing you success,

Coach Rekha

ACTION STEPS

• Set SMART Goals: Suggest new SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals with your manager to align with your growth aspirations.
• Training & Mentorship: Reflect on additional training or mentorship opportunities that could help you build necessary skills.
• Volunteer: Volunteer for smaller, visible projects to showcase your capabilities and gain valuable experience.

Client Experience

Elsa, 39, a project manager, felt stuck in her career despite strong performance reviews. She envisioned her ideal promotion and sought feedback from her manager, expecting confirmation of her readiness.

To her surprise, her manager highlighted unexpected areas for growth, like strategic thinking and cross-departmental collaboration. Determined to improve, Elsa pursued training, sought mentorship, and took on a high-visibility project involving multiple teams.

Her proactive approach and willingness to address the feedback significantly enhanced her preparedness for promotion. Elsa’s efforts positioned her well for future leadership opportunities.

Personal Reflection

Navigating my career has been a journey filled with both challenges and triumphs. I’ve learned that growth often comes from unexpected feedback and embracing opportunities outside my comfort zone. Engaging in open and honest conversations with my managers and mentors (even when difficult to hear) has provided me with valuable insights and has been instrumental in my development. I’ve come to understand that being proactive and receptive to feedback is crucial for continuous improvement. This journey has reinforced the importance of strategic thinking, collaboration, and adaptability in achieving my professional goals. Coach Rekha

 Have you faced a similar challenge? 

I would love to hear your feedback in the comments box below!

Disclaimer: While I am a trained coach and adhere to the International Coaching Federation (ICF) guidelines, please note that the advice shared here is provided in a non-coaching context. The insights and suggestions are based on my experience and are intended to offer general guidance. Client stories are shared to illustrate practices others have implemented. It’s important to tailor your approach to suit your unique circumstances, as every individual’s situation is distinct. For personalized coaching support and to explore these topics more deeply, consider engaging in a formal coaching session.

Good Luck and Stay Ready, My Friends.